Thomas Vanek is looking to silence the trade rumors which have been attached to his name for what seems like an eternity. In an interview with WGR 550, Vanek stated that he hasn't requested a trade from the Buffalo Sabres. In fact, Vanek appears content in Buffalo and is open to the idea of signing a new deal with the Sabres in the future.

No, I never asked to be traded so when people do mention it, I’m surprised. Did I think I was going to get traded, no because I never once went in there and said I don’t want to be here. I said, ‘Right now I’m not looking for an extension, but not saying that I wouldn’t want one down the road, but right now I just want to see where it goes’. We’re a young team, we’re rebuilding and those are my words, so I’m keeping my options open.

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Vanek was pretty blunt with his comments. He added that he isn't thrilled about going through a rebuild, but he's open to it and he wants to see where it leads. If it leads somewhere promising or if the future looks bright, you might see him sign an extension before his current seven-year, $50 million contract expires next summer.

In regards to the young players Buffalo will deploy in 2013-14, Vanek said:

I do believe that the guys that they drafted this year and in the past are good players, but with young guys you never know. I would like to see where we’re at and I have that option so, I’m taking it.

Vanek is saying all of the right things. He's currently under contract with Buffalo and he needs to keep his team and management happy. However, no matter what Vanek says, it's clear it might be in his best interest as well as his team's best interest to deal him to a contender.